Being Alone or Just Lonely

 

Today in this modern fast-paced world we see or hear of so many people reaching out to each other like never before, and it appears that so many are lonely. It really is everywhere, you hear about it on television advertisements for match making couples. We see advertisements in newspapers, people trying to find a mate or friends. We see people reaching out to others over the internet in blogs and chat rooms. You can walk into bookstores and read about what women want, what men want, how to join singles groups, how to meet someone in a supermarket, the list goes on and on.

The question; “Why are so many people lonely these days?” Were people always struggling to meet others and we never noticed, or has society changed? It starts because of our separation from God.

There are many causes of loneliness;

We may choose to be alone, because we are shy, or have fears which produce loneliness. We may have gone through the death of a loved one. We may have drug or alcohol addictions that leave us feeling very alone. We may be in a marriage or relationship that is lacking love and respect. You may feel lonely due to an illness. Whatever the reason behind being lonely, you are not alone.

Adam and Eve were the first to experience the loneliness, and separation from God. When God appointed Moses to speak to the people, he felt alone. God told him, don’t worry I’m right there with you.

Jesus came to give us a gift, to receive salvation so that we would not have to spend eternity alone and separated from God. Imagine the distance of separation that Jesus felt as a man, yet in John 16:32 Behold, the hour comes, yea, has now come, that you will be scattered, each man to his own things, and you will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

Jesus knew the disciples would be scattered and leave Him, but He knew the Father was always with Him. He had that reassurance that the Father loved Him and we also have that reassurance. The loneliness you may feel is not the problem, it’s the symptom of the problem.

We must allow God to be the center of our lives, trusting in Him and believing that He is a part of us. No matter what we go through, God knows our afflictions. In Matt. 6:34, Jesus says for us to not worry about what tomorrow brings, that would just increase our burdens for today. Philippians 4:6 We are told to not worry or stress ourselves over things, but to trust in God and take everything to Him in prayer, and thanks. Loneliness keeps us self-centered and not focused on God. Yes there are those who even with faith in God may have depression which needs the aid of medicine. But sometimes loneliness is caused because we are focusing on ourselves and our problems, and not turning it over to God.

Some of the ways to help our loneliness;

• Trust in God, allow Him to lead, so you can make decisions to help your current circumstances.
• Go to church and meet other Christians
• Make Christian friends, non-Christian friends will not help you spiritually
• Get involved in church or other organizations that help those in need, glorifying God in your giving
• Visit the elderly or the sick, volunteer your time to comfort others who may be lonely.

When we involve ourselves in doing things for God, that takes away from us and puts the focus back on Him. It’s hard to feel lonely when we are focused on giving to others. Remember that after Jesus’ death on the cross we received a ‘helper.’ The Holy Spirit dwells in us which means we are never alone.

2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforting us in all our trouble, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in every trouble, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. We have the assurance when we suffer from afflictions that helps us grow and learn from it, so that we can help others and comfort others in their time of need.

Psalms 42:5 Even though he was depressed or sad, he knew that God would see him through that with faith in God and thanks, he would never be alone.

God Bless